http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...a/pa_2853.html

According to it US citizens are to avoid places where crowds are expected to gather - which I presume means you can't go to any tourist attraction

But if everyone stays away, then crowds <i>won't</i> be expected to gather, so it should be okay.

But if everyone expects it to be okay...

You can go, just make sure to wear your &quot;I hate GWB&quot; t-shirt, and you'll be fine.

It is very dangerous to travel!lol

Alan; GET REAL...have you ever seen those people at &quot;State&quot; to include the piano player when they travel overseas? They are so shielded I'm susprised anyone at Foggy Bottom knows other countries even exist anymore; only when the oil supply gets cut off.

The only &quot;dangerous&quot; thing about this &quot;warning&quot; is, IMO, the warning itself.

I'm reading a hint of sarcasm into Alan's post, so I'm tempted to say he isn't taking it 100% seriously.

I wish the State Department would issue a warning about going to convenience stores after dark. That's more scary than anything I ever experienced overseas!!

If you think Italy is too dangerous, stay home. That leaves more space for the rest of us who are excited about traveling to other countries, experiencing other cultures and learning about the big blue marble. Articles like this are assinine. The mountains of Montana can be dangerous if you get off the beaten path and don't know what you are doing, and end up falling down into some ravine. Dangerous is a subjective term and it ridiculous articles like this will never keep me away from Italy - or anywhere else for that matter.

I'm sure we want to be cautious in certain situations whether in Rome or St. Louis. But you know I get the feeling that the Administration has a tactic of instilling a sense of fear. It has been said that this is leads to a public succumbing to some sort of authoritarianism. Gosh, maybe we should be afraid to open our front doors...could be a terrorist ready to toss a bomb!

ozarksbill

From the announcement:

&quot;Demonstrations may be large, but even peaceful demonstrations have the potential to escalate into violence. Some of the demonstrations may be announced; others may be spontaneous. On March 11, demonstrations by “No Global” and anarchist groups in Milan became violent, resulting in broken windows and streets blockages; fifteen police officers were injured and 40-45 individuals were arrested.&quot;

Geez....anybody here live in Seattle during WTO?

That statement has been on the government site for years. If you see a crowd forming to demonstrate, walk the other way. We have seen many demonstrations that have been peaceful. I have never in all my years of going to Rome and Italy felt in danger.

I agree with P_M!!!!

I was in Seattle for WTO- actually worked downtown that day. We were sent home early and I met up with my then boyfriend to take photos.

I'd feel safer in another country than here during a demonstration. Our police get out of hand quick! And I think we are ruder and less patient with tourists in our own cities.

But I like Ozarbills response best
&quot;But you know I get the feeling that the Administration has a tactic of instilling a sense of fear. It has been said that this leads to a public succumbing to some sort of authoritarianism&quot;

You need to worry about what is going to kill you. I guarantee it won't be someone in Italy who kills you. Rather, it will be what you eat, whether you exercise, whether you smoke, or if you drink to excess, or maybe...all of the above. Those things are a MUCH greater threat than terrorists, uprisings, demonstrations.
Worry about what will kill you.

I suggest for anyone who is worried about their safety to hide out in wine caves and drink copious amounts of vino. For those not worried, my advice remains the same.

The current administration goes on to say that
&quot;The Department of State reminds Americans of the continuing threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Ongoing events in Iraq have resulted in demonstrations and associated violence in several countries. Italy continues to be under heightened public threat by al-Qaida and other Islamic extremists for its continued participation in multinational activities in Iraq and Afghanistan&quot;.

This fear mongering is enough to make a person vote Democrat.

maitaitom--You are awesome! I read your whole trip report one Sunday morning and I feel like we're old pals now (except for the part about you not knowing who the heck I am). I like the jokes you're peppering around the board today.

Yes Indeed very very dangerous, be Aware of the many loveable cats..they have a loud Prrrrrrr..bad for your ears..

I'd say traveling to Italy in April is much safer than going quail hunting in Texas with the VP

Tripping over the cat can be dangerous as I know to my cost.

So Italy is under constant threat of terrorist violence -- presumably because of the complicity of S. Berlusconi with the Bush Administration.

Personally, I think Berlusconi's oddness derives from too much time under anaesthetic during his most recent face-lift. But anyway, when I flew into Rome early this month it took me a total of 5 minutes to get through all the entry formalities -- a sharp and sorry contrast to the roughly 45 minutes it usually takes me to get re-admitted to my native country, Canada, when I return from a sojourn in peaceable, safe, clean Italy.

(Okay, Okay, Berlusconi must be doing SOMETHING right)